Cool Story...

Al Asad Air Base, Iraq

We have some friends that were hosting a party in which they were making care packages for soldiers in Iraq. As guests you were invited to bring some goodies to share with the soldiers. I had the kindergarten students in my class each make a picture for a soldier. We then wrote a letter as a group and attached one letter to one picture and put them in 17 different care packages. This morning before school I was sitting at my desk when my classroom phone rang. I answered it and there was a bit of a delay on the other end. Then I heard the voice... "Mrs. Dodds? This is SGT. Andrew Paul... calling from Iraq." I wanted to let you know that I received your letter and package on Christmas Eve. He goes on to tell me all about himself, how long he has been there etc... We spoke on the phone for about 10 minutes. He then told me that Christmas is a very glum time and he was feeling "less than jolly" until he received our letter. He said that the treats etc.. were very appreciated, but the picture brought "happy tears" to his eyes. He wanted my email address in hopes of corresponding with the class. He said he had a thank you letter for them, as well as pictures. He also said that he would like to answer any questions they had. I was speechless! He was so kind and so grateful! I guess it just goes to show that you can truly make someone's day with simple gestures... I read the letter to the kids today and they started clapping... They were cheering and yelling and so excited. We wrote down some questions and I forwarded them on to him. He has already responded to our questions with very kindergarten appropriate descriptions of life in Iraq. We learned that he has two small children of his own at home in North Carolina. He is hoping to be home in 3 weeks. I was quickly reminded of how great we have it, how thankful I am, and how I don't do enough! I will be praying for Andrew and his family along with all of the others who are standing up for our country! Thank you just doesn't seem like enough, but according to one soldier, it can certainly brighten a day! PEACE...